Treatment FAQs
What can I expect in my first consultation?
Over the course of one hour, the doctor will become familiar with your personal health history, reviewing the completed patient intake forms you bring to your first appointment. The doctor will conduct a focused physical exam. Based on the results, appropriate lab testing will be ordered. Treatment programs are prescribed during your second visit, once the lab results have been completed.
What type of testing is involved in the program?
Your physician will order private lab testing to gain insight into hormone, nutrient or toxin levels in the body. The publicly funded laboratories offer only serum testing for hormones and very little for nutrient and toxin levels. At Balance Medical Center, we require a more comprehensive private lab evaluation that includes saliva and/or urine testing, which yields more useful results.
Are your services covered by Provincial Medical Plans?
No. The provincial Medical Services Plan (MSP) only covers medical visits that are considered medically necessary. While Preventative & Integrative Medicine is very effective at reducing and resolving many health concerns, it is not considered to be medically essential.
Are your services covered by Extended Health Plans?
Coverage varies with each insurance provider and the medical plan with which you are enrolled. You are encouraged to check directly with your insurance provider.
What costs can I expect besides the cost of the Annual Membership?
Prescription costs for bio-identical hormones and recommended supplements are the responsibility of the patient as well as any required private tests. Additional services such as intravenous vitamins or chelation therapy are available separately. More details on the Annual Membership Program are available in Treatment Programs.
Do I need a referral from my family doctor?
Referrals from family doctors are not required.
Will a copy of my medical reports be sent to my family doctor?
As Balance Medical Center does not require a referral, reports are not typically sent to your family doctor. If you would like to have copies sent, please let our office know and they will kindly arrange to do so at a nominal charge.
Will the physician that I see at Balance Medical Center become my family doctor?
The physicians at Balance Medical Center do not practice Family Medicine, as they are highly trained specialists practicing Preventative Care and Integrative Medicine. You are encouraged to see your family doctor for general health issues and routine care. If you need a family doctor, contact the College of Physicians & Surgeons at 604 733-7758 or visit www.cpsbc.ca for a list of doctors accepting new patients.
Can I be a patient at Balance Medical Center if I do not live in Vancouver?
Yes, Balance Medical Center welcomes all patients living in Canada. However, all patients are required to undergo a one-time initial consultation in person at our Vancouver clinic. Follow up appointments can be conducted by telephone at the patient's discretion.
Do you only treat menopausal women?
No, aging is not gender specific and we treat both men and women who are suffering from hormonal and many other related conditions. Although many of our patients are receiving bio-identical hormone replacement therapy as part of their customized treatment program, the scope of an Integrative Medicine Practice is quite extensive. Men experiencing andropause, athletes who would like to optimize their body functions and patients with early signs of diabetes are all examples of potential patients who would benefit from the program. We encourage patients of all ages who have experienced a decline in health to consider an integrated approach.
Are bio-identical hormones safe?
Over the past 20 years, research and trials have been conducted on the use of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and the evidence points to safe application and beneficial results. As one of the fastest growing medical specialties, there are thousands of doctors and hundreds of thousands of patients using individualized BHRT today demonstrating remarkable success.
How long do I need to take bio-identical hormones?
Each patient chooses the treatment plan and length of use in collaboration with your doctor. At Balance Medical Center we strive to empower our patients to make informed decisions about their personal treatment plans. If you decide to take bio-identical hormone therapy, you may take them as long as you feel you need them.
Do you offer The Wiley Protocol?
Yes, Drs. Dionne and Verma have been fully trained in the theory and use of The Wiley Protocol. Although this rhythmic hormone dosing method has been effective for many patients, it is not for everyone. After completing a comprehensive evaluation, the doctor will determine if The Wiley Protocol is right for you. Please refer to The Wiley Protocol website for more information.
If I take bio-identical hormones, will I start menstruating again?
This depends on a variety of factors including the prescription regimen, dosage and length of time since the patients last menstrual period. Some prescription regimens, such as The Wiley Protocol will restart menstruation. Most regimens, however, will give the patient hormones, but will not restart the menstrual cycle.
Do you offer weight loss programs?
Yes, weight loss is an important part of our treatment. Although our general treatment strategy has a focus on weight loss, the only official weight loss program we offer is HCG weight loss. Please refer to the treatments section regarding HCG weight loss for further details of our program. You can also review a video of Dr. Oz discusses HCG weight loss to review the pros and cons of the therapy.
What do I do if I run out of prescriptions?
Prescriptions are typically written to last until your next visit. If you need a refill before you are able to schedule a visit, please contact your pharmacy with your request and the pharmacy will contact the clinic. A brief prescription will be issued to allow time to arrange your next visit. There is a fee of $25.00 for prescription renewals given outside a scheduled office visit.
Who can I speak with for more information about Balance Medical Center?
You can contact us at 604.569.0488 or email us at info@balancemedical.ca. We also encourage you to explore the Integrative Medicine section of the website for further details about hormonal issues in the body.